Ceramic mugs can be made in a myriad of sizes and colors. There are ceramic mugs made specifically for cappuccino, latte, soup, and coffee, not to mention those that are used as pencil holders, dust-catchers and pure decoration. Ceramic mugs are made from clay that has been molded and spun into the shape of a cup and fired in a kiln. Rather than “cooking” the clay, the kiln works by releasing water that has been trapped by the clay crystals and must therefore be done very carefully. There are many kinds of ceramics, which have been around since prehistoric times, including earthenware, porcelain, stoneware and terra cotta.

Due to the porous nature of clay, even fired clay, ceramic mugs can be decorated in any way imaginable. There are many methods for decorating mugs, including direct screening, transfer technology (water slide or heat-release), pad printing, dye sublimation and hand decorating.

The screen transfer process of decorating ceramic mugs uses direct applications to apply UV-cure colors and special textures such as crushed glass or metals. This method is used when speed is more important than durability. Transfer technology involves printing the desired image onto ceramic decal paper instead of directly to the mug. It is then applied to the surface of the ceramic mug. This method is good for use with four-color processes. In choosing to use transfer technology, the designer then must decide whether to use the water-slide or the heat-release transfer technology. Water-slide transfer is better equipped for smaller orders, whereas the heat-release method works ideally for large production orders.

The pad printing method of decorating ceramic mugs is used when decorating with the screening method is not practical. In this process, which appears complicated but in fact is quite simple, the decorator will engrave a plate with the desired image. Then a squeegee is used to drag enamel across the plate. Next, a silicone pad is pushed against the plate to pick the image up and transfer it to the desired object.

The most popular new process of printing onto ceramic mugs is fairly simple, and is called dye sublimation. This process involves transferring an image onto a specially coated surface with the aid of heat and pressure. Special “sublimation ink” is used that is unique in that it can convert from a solid to a gas without passing a liquid form, similar to the abilities of dry ice. Ceramic mugs can be bought with the coating already on them. It is possible to perform the entire procedure at home, though the sublimation ink can only be used for transferring images and not for regular printing.

The final method of decorating ceramic mugs is the simplest technologically, but the most challenging. Hand decorating is an option if aesthetic quality is important and the time is available to undertake such an endeavor. Special ceramic inks would need to be used, along with a steady hand. But it would be well worth the look, as ceramic mugs are one of the most valued objects in society today. They can be found prominently in almost any gift shop and they are especially popular in tourist areas such as Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and other such places. They can be handy reminder of a vacation or a favorite memory. As advertisement, ceramic mugs can replace word-of-mouth as the most efficient form of promotion. Around the house, ceramic mugs are used as a favorite coffee cup or as decoration on a drab surface.